When I first started penning this particular story, I had no clue I would be required to edit the "tense" I had began writing it in. This past week, Naughty started showing some symptoms of what I thought may become a concerning health issue. But every morning she woke up and went on with her day of "Steve the Cat chasing" and stealing any unattended goodies. Her afternoons were spent napping on the couch, and her evenings were passed at my side, on the couch, snoring so loudly I couldn't hear the events of the Dodger's game… She even attempted to drag me from the porch late one night in chase of a rabbit that was relaxing in our back lawn.

She left us on Thursday due to what we think was a stroke. As I sit here and look over the comments from people that loved her--the well wishes, the "thank you's" for her stories--- I am greatly comforted, yet one question comes to my heart: Did we do what God asked us to do when we set out on this blogging journey together? Did Naughty and I point you to Him?

This past month Wayne and I celebrated 23 years of marriage. Our celebration involved an evening of mindless entertainment in front of the television with our boys and critters. A conversation was started between the boys and my husband having to do mostly with what some people "require" to be comfortable in life. Examples such as regular spa visits, or fancy vehicles, fine dining…the more "extravagant" needs of life. Trying to explain it in terms the boys would understand, my husband took the conversation to comparing people to vehicles being we are a very "garage focused" family…

"So boys, a person needing those things would be much like your Smart Car. Needing to be plugged in all the time, driven with a lot of caution and care due to not being very "durable"." said Wayne.

"So Dad, what kind of car is MOM?" asked a boy.

As you can imagine, my ears perked up a bit---and I am certain I saw Naughty's floppy ears turn their attention toward my husband as if to think, "OH! THIS is gonna be GOOOOD!"

Wayne sat in silence as he carefully planned his next statement. Something that very rarely happens in our home…A house full of guys mostly say and do before ever thinking. I learned this many years ago growing up as the only girl with all guys around me. Honestly, I believe my "voice of reason" is why some of those Peterson Hill boys lived to see adulthood!!!

"Well boys, your mother is what we would refer to as a good ole Ford F- 150 Pick Up…like a 1986…with a 300, 6 cylinder engine. Those things just went forever. She may have some troubles, but she gets up every morning and goes. She just does what needs to be done."

To my surprise, as I heard him speak, I was actually flattered by his words---in my own sick, twisted, motor head kind of way. We all had a good laugh and went back to losing brain cells staring into the television. Naughty resumed her snoring and drooling.

"In this world you will have trouble…" John 16:33b

As I've thought back to my husband's "compliment", I can easily view his analogy to my every day life, plugging along as a wife, mom, daughter, sister, aunt and friend doing what needs to be done even though I "have some troubles". My joints hurt. I can get a tad grouchy. Plans don’t go as I’d liked. But in the much bigger picture, I see Wayne's analogy playing out through my walk with Jesus Christ. Is my relationship with Jesus like that rugged ole Ford he compared me to? Driving along the dusty, dirt road of life while different "obstacles" come onto the path? Do I keep "going" as things come into the roadway? Even though I am feeling beaten and wore, do I push on?

Again, I come back to one word. The word that says it all to me. The word that comforts and brings me great peace….the word---HOPE.

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." Hebrews 10:23

Yes, Naughty's stories have been funny--especially when you aren’t the one on the receiving end of her terror! Yes, our family has truly experienced some real obstacles and heart breaking losses…but through these stories, my intention has always been to point you directly toward our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It isn't about Naughty, it isn't about me….It is ALL about the One that planned it all. The One who can provide peace. The One who can fill the empty hole in your heart. The one who will overcome the World.

"I have told you these things, so that in me you will have great peace. In the world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!" John 16:33

Naughty's passing has caused a great void in my life. Our home is very quiet. I am thankful I had the time I had with her--we had a great run. I have prayed about what to do with this page…how God would have me use it---IF He would have me continue. I believe it is time for another change. Change is an old friend of mine. My prayer is to continue here, on Naughty's page and see where God takes us. I would love it if you would join with me… Thank you again for all your comforting and encouraging words and prayers over the last year or so. I am blessed by you all.